Will We Accept God's Endless Provision for Our Needs?

Sometimes we forget that Jesus was promised to be our Everlasting Father, as Isaiah 9:6 announced. We may also forget that our Everlasting Father is capable of providing for our needs. Regardless of our social status, a day comes when our needs exceed our resources. When Jesus is your Everlasting Father, you are within the bounds of all his resources.

God sent Jesus to be our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace. As we give thanks for God’s gift of Jesus, let us celebrate Christmas with joyful hearts for the privilege of being the recipients of his love and kindness. Merry Christmas and God bless you.                                 

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For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder. These will be his royal titles: …“The Everlasting Father,” …

~Isaiah 9:6 The Living Bible

You, [Lord,] make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

~Psalm 16:11 New International Version

And it is he who will supply all your needs from his riches in glory, because of what Christ Jesus has done for us.

~Philippians 4:19 The Living Bible

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From Saturday, December 21 through Christmas Day, blogs are posted daily to coincide with KHCB radio's special music and short devotional programming, "Five Days of Christmas".

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Are Unforeseen Obstacles to Happiness Manageable?

Everyone, with few exceptions, has happy memories from the past. For most of us the issue is maintaining happiness for as long as possible. Happiness is like maintaining good health, which has many determining factors. There are unpredictable influences, like other people’s choices, that cannot always be controlled.

This implies we should do our best at achieving our potential rather than underachieving. It means giving our best  while refusing to submit to unforeseen obstacles. Happiness often requires being creative and accepting challenges that require the best use of our gifts and talents.

God intends for us to enjoy life while not forgetting to offer thanksgiving to him for all he provides. Listen to Ecclesiastes 2:26: “God gives wisdom, knowledge, and happiness to those who please him.” Remember, those who trust in God and believe in him will always be the recipients of his love, joy, and peace.  

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Light dawns for the righteous, gladness for the upright in heart. Be glad in the Lord, you righteous ones, and give thanks to his holy name.

~Psalm 97:11-12 Christian Standard Bible

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Grief and Sadness Immersed in Joy and Gladness

Preparing to celebrate an important event takes time and energy as well as love and devotion. When Jesus was nearing the end of his earthly ministry, a woman who perhaps intuitively knew he would soon give his life for mankind’s sins, demonstrated her love and devotion by washing his feet with an expensive perfume.

I recently attended the funeral of a friend to celebrate his life. Loved ones and friends expressed sincere grief along with their joy and gladness, for he had been an abundant source of joy and comfort for them. The fundamental essence of grief is being allowed to express thanksgiving along with great sorrow.

True joy permeates the depths of the human spirit and survives in spite of our deepest sorrows and troubles. Psalm 16:11 tells us, “My heart is glad, and I celebrate because you my Lord have made known to me the path of life. You have filled me with joy and faith.” This can be your objective as well as your assurance.  

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My friends, we want you to know how it will be for those followers who have already died. Then you won’t grieve over them and be like people who don’t have any hope. We believe that Jesus died and was raised to life. We also believe that when God brings Jesus back again, he will bring with him all who had faith in Jesus before they died.

~1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 Contemporary English Version

You have changed my sadness into a joyful dance; you have taken away my sorrow and surrounded me with joy.

~Psalm 30:11 Good News Bible

Faith's Priority ~ 2020 Vision of God's Presence

The Christmas holidays soon will end, indicating that the beginning of a new year is upon us. Some believe this will be a pivotal year for our country politically, socially and spiritually. With political opponents contending for your attention and vote for the 2020 election, what can be your faith’s priority as you face the future?

Faith’s priorities are not New Year’s resolutions that soon may be forgotten. Faith’s priority connects with the plan and purpose of God Almighty for your life, what you’re thinking, believing and wanting. God desires for you to be aware of his constant presence to guide, inform and bless you.

Faith’s priority means God is first, above everything that will confront you daily. Ask Jesus to give you the desire to love Him in the presence of everything you face. Jesus will give you help, strength and faith to be God’s voice wherever you are. This is not a New Year’s resolution, but a desire to celebrate God’s continual presence in your life.                                                                       

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The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

~Exodus 33:14 New International Version

You have let me experience the joys of life and the exquisite pleasures of your own eternal presence.

~Psalm 16:11 The Living Bible

Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!

~1 Chronicles 16:11 English Standard Version